The
Milwaukee River may at times literally smell a little crappy, but the
beauty of the Riverwalk more than makes up for that.

The
project started in 1994 and, when done, will run through downtown to the
Historic Third Ward to Lake Michigan.

The
pedestrian-friendly walk in the downtown area is already complete, and
work is now being done in the Third Ward, says Nancy O’Keefe, executive
director of the Historic Third Ward Association.

Right
now, many of those private property owners in the Third Ward - including
the Milwaukee Ale House on Water Street - have the Riverwalk right outside
their back doors, she says.

“You’re
actually in the water,” says O’Keefe. “It’s built over the water,
it’s very cool.”

On
Buffalo Street, a spiral walkway connects Water Street to the Riverwalk
below, and wild grasses enhance the lawn there.

From
the Ale House, the Riverwalk will extend south, ultimately into Walker’s
Point.

As
the Third Ward’s section becomes complete, O’Keefe says she envisions
using the space for musical performances and style shows. She also thinks
floating sculptures in upcoming Gallery Nights would be a hit.